A GLORY of Old Town's Victorian past is set to make a return.

In the 19th Century, an avenue of trees linked the Lawn Woods to Old Town's High Street but powerful storms in 1989 damaged some of the trees and bought others crashing to the ground.

Now, more than a decade after a previous unsuccessful attempt to bring back the tree-lined avenue, council gardeners have planted 18 English oak trees in the hope that one day the avenue will blossom back into Victorian splendour.

Ward councillor Fionuala Foley (Con, Old Town and Lawns) said: "We are all very excited about seeing trees return to the avenue.

"It goes to show that it's not just the town centre that's being regenerated, but Old Town as well.

"I remember when tall trees lined the avenue and the area looked wonderful. These trees might not look much at the moment but give them a few years, and the avenue will be back to its former glory.

"We have taken the relevant steps to ensure the trees have every chance of survival and have addressed what are thought to be contributing factors to the death of the previous trees."

In 1992 council workman planted oak trees to replace those damaged by the storms, but these fell victim to disease and most were cut down when they became a safety hazard.

However, three of the trees planted in 1992 appear to have shrugged off their ailments and are continuing to grow, although their health is being closely monitored by council officials.

The replanted trees are pin oaks, the same as those planted in 1992, although the new ones have been sourced from the UK rather than the Netherlands.

The storm-damaged trees originally placed at the entrance were a mixture of holm oaks and laurel.

The replanting scheme is part of a Community First project, which also helped with the dredging of the Lawn lakes, which had become increasingly silted up, spoiling the habitat for wildlife and fish.

The Lawn Woods is the stage for the annual Old Town Festival, which is taking place this year in June and July.

The area was also once the grounds of the Goddard family mansion. The home which also had an ice house and a Italian-styled sunken garden was demolished in 1952 after it became unsafe, although its remains can still be clearly seen. The Swindon Corporation had already purchased the land for £18,000 in 1946.